Big B & Sanjay didn’t shoot together in ‘Shootout…’: Director
The Indian film industry has witnessed many iconic collaborations over the years, with some of the most legendary actors sharing screen space with each other. However, it’s not always a guarantee that the two superstars will get to work together on set. In a recent revelation, director Apoorva Lakhia shared an interesting anecdote from the sets of his directorial debut, ‘Shootout at Lokhandwala’ (2007), which starred Amitabh Bachchan and Sanjay Dutt in lead roles.
Lakhia, who was speaking to a leading newspaper, revealed that the two Bollywood legends never even met on set during the filming of ‘Shootout at Lokhandwala’. The reason behind this is quite astonishing. According to Lakhia, Amitabh Bachchan, fondly referred to as ‘Amit ji’, would arrive on set at 2 pm sharp, while Sanjay Dutt, fondly referred to as ‘Sanjay ji’, would show up at 6 pm after finishing his lunch.
This meant that the two actors would never cross paths on set, as Bachchan would leave at 5:30 pm, and Dutt would arrive at 5:30 pm. This unusual schedule was apparently due to the actors’ personal preferences and requirements. Lakhia further added that the two actors were never on set at the same time, and therefore, never got to interact or work together on set.
‘ Shootout at Lokhandwala’ was a crime drama that revolved around the true story of the encounter between the Mumbai Police and gangster, Maya Dolas, who was involved in the infamous Lokhandwala complex shootout in 1991. The film also starred Tusshar Kapoor, Arshad Warsi, and Suniel Shetty in supporting roles.
It’s fascinating to think that two of the biggest names in Bollywood, with a combined filmography spanning decades, managed to avoid each other on set. This is a testament to the unique schedules and requirements of each actor, and the level of professionalism that came with working on a big-budget film.
Amitabh Bachchan and Sanjay Dutt are two of the most iconic actors in Indian cinema, with a combined career spanning over 50 years. Bachchan, often referred to as the “Shahenshah of Bollywood”, has appeared in over 190 films, including some of the most iconic Indian films like ‘Deewar’ (1975), ‘Sholay’ (1975), and ‘Black’ (2005). Dutt, on the other hand, has appeared in over 180 films, including some of the most iconic Indian films like ‘Rocky’ (1981), ‘Khal Nayak’ (1993), and ‘Vaastav: The Reality’ (1999).
Despite their impressive filmographies, both actors have had their fair share of ups and downs in their careers. Bachchan has faced criticism for his limited screen time in recent years, while Dutt has been embroiled in controversy over his alleged connections to the underworld.
Despite these challenges, both actors continue to be revered for their incredible body of work and their enduring popularity among Indian audiences. Their collaboration in ‘Shootout at Lokhandwala’ was a unique experience, not just for the audience but also for the director, Apoorva Lakhia, who got to work with two of the biggest legends in the industry.
In conclusion, the revelation that Amitabh Bachchan and Sanjay Dutt never met on set during the filming of ‘Shootout at Lokhandwala’ is a fascinating anecdote that highlights the unique demands and requirements of each actor. Despite their impressive careers, it’s clear that even the biggest names in Bollywood are not immune to the challenges and quirks that come with working on a big-budget film.
